Dachshunds might be best known for their long bodies and loyal nature, but there’s more to feeding them than just filling the bowl. Their unique build and tendency to gain weight mean they can benefit from a more considered approach to nutrition — one that supports their spine, skin, and overall vitality.
In this guide, we tap into expert insights to break down what really matters in your Dachshund’s diet. From portion sizes that match their frame to skin-supporting nutrients and real food ingredients, you’ll find practical tips to help your sausage dog thrive — whether you’re starting fresh with a new puppy or fine-tuning your current routine.
Read more: Dachshund breed insights: care, personality & expert tips
How nutrition can help common Dachshund health concerns
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
One of the most common and serious health issues Dachshunds face is Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), a condition affecting the spine due to their elongated bodies and short legs. While you can't alter their genetics, you can support spinal health with nutrients with anti-inflammatory properties.
Try this:
Fresh, real food rich in omega-3 fatty acids from fish and fish oil can help manage inflammation and support spinal health. Ingredients like turmeric and ginger also provide natural anti-inflammatory benefits.
Read more: IVDD in Dachshunds: how to reduce the risk with real food
Weight gain and obesity
Dachshunds are especially prone to weight gain, which can worsen back issues and lead to joint problems and heart disease. Portion control and nutrient-dense, high-protein, low-fat meals are ideal to help manage your dog's weight and body condition.
Try this:
Lyka’s custom-portioned meals ensure your Dachshund gets exactly what they need — no more, no less. Treats should make up no more than 10% of their daily intake. Single protein, low-fat treats like Lyka’s Chicky Chews are a great choice.
Read more: Lyka’s vet guide to healthy dog weight (with charts and videos)
Sensitive stomachs
Dachshunds can also experience gastrointestinal sensitivities, from chronic gas to diarrhoea or constipation. These issues are often linked to diet, food sensitivities, or allergies.
Try this:
A gently cooked, real food diet containing human-grade proteins and a wide variety of prebiotic-rich vegetables helps nourish the gut microbiome and support consistent digestion.
Read more: Sensitive stomachs in dogs: how to relieve your pup's discomfort
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How to choose the best food for your Dachshund
Fresh food, raw, wet or dry? Supermarket, pet shop, or delivered to your door? There are so many dog food options on the market — where do you begin?
1. Complete and balanced
Dachshunds, like all pups, need a complete and balanced diet containing the right nutrients in the right proportions.
Australia has pet food standards, but they’re largely unregulated. Many brands follow AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) or FEDIAF (European Pet Food Industry Federation) guidelines.
Meeting AAFCO and FEDIAF standards is just the start. Lyka meals are formulated by a team of Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists to ensure they’re complete and balanced for all life stages.
Read more: Dog food ingredients: a glossary of common and confusing terms
2. Optimal nutrition for your Dachshund
Not all dog food is created equally. Variety and quality of ingredients and cooking methods can all impact the nutrient availability of your dog’s food.
Many raw dog food options present a good balance of high-quality protein, fresh produce, and superfoods. But not all dogs can easily digest raw food, especially pups with a weakened immune system, or digestive issues.
Dry food (kibble) often contains high amounts of carbohydrates and synthetic vitamins and minerals. The animal protein used in kibble is often pet-grade, like meat meal or meat by-products, that vary in quality and are not subject to the same checks as human-grade meat. Kibble is usually cooked at high temperatures which can reduce digestibility and can lead to the potential formation of harmful compounds, like acrylamides.
Home cooking can be a great option for your dog, but it's time consuming, and making sure each mouthful is complete and balanced is not easy to do without expert guidance.
Lyka meals are made using human-grade ingredients and are gently cooked then snap-frozen to retain their nutritional value and digestibility. Each meal is high in protein and custom-portioned to meet your dog’s daily needs.
Want to dig deeper into which type of food is best for your Dachshund? We’ve created a series of guides to help you make an informed choice.
Read more: Freshly cooked vs kibble for dogs: which is better?
Read more: Freshly cooked vs raw meat for dogs: which is better?
Read more: Freshly cooked vs home cooking for your dog: which is better?
Read more: Freshly cooked vs wet food for dogs: which is better?
How much food does a Dachshund need?
Serving size recommendations based solely on weight don’t tell the full story. Your dog’s energy level, lifestyle and body condition score are all part of the picture.
That’s why Lyka calculates your Dachshund’s portion sizes based on their personal profile, not just on their weight.
Establish a consistent feeding routine with your Dachshund to support their digestion, especially if they have a sensitive stomach.
Do Dachshund puppies and senior dogs need special food?
Not necessarily. Nutrient-dense, real food meals formulated by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists for all life stages — like Lyka — cover the daily requirements of both growing pups and dogs in their golden years.
Read more: Why real food is the healthiest choice for senior dogs
Read more: What should puppies eat? Expert nutrition tips for optimal development
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Real-life insight from a Dachshund parent
What's in your Dachshund's bowl can be a game-changer when it comes to their health. Hear from Alex and her experience parenting Charlie.
"We started to feed Charlie Lyka because we wanted something fresh and healthy that we didn’t have to cook ourselves. Lyka took all the guesswork out by providing portioned meals for Charlie. Not to mention it is delivered to our door. It makes it so easy!"
– Alex and Charlie (he's on Lyka)
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New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together
Parenting a Dachshund comes with plenty of decisions. Choosing what’s in their bowl is one of the most important.
Designed by Board-Certified Veterinary Nutritionists and made with real, human-grade ingredients, Lyka meals are custom-portioned to match your dog’s needs.
Dachshunds across Australia are already thriving on Lyka — yours could be next.
Join our pack of proud Dachshund parents today.
